Italy Deploys Air Defense to Gulf States Amid Iran Strikes

Italy announced on Thursday that it will deploy air defense systems to several Gulf countries targeted by Iranian strikes, marking a shift from its initial neutral stance in the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the decision, emphasizing the need to safeguard tens of thousands of Italian civilians and about 2,000 troops in the region, as well as to secure vital energy supplies for Europe.

The move comes six days after coordinated U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28, prompted by stalled negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, drawing in broader regional actors. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament that Italy would send air defense, anti-drone, and anti-missile systems to these strategic partners in the coming days. "When faced with a reckless reaction, we can expect anything and everything," Crosetto said, referring to Iran's actions.

In a radio interview with RTL 102.5, Meloni stressed that the aid is strictly defensive. "We are...